Abstract
In order to evaluate recovery strategies from gas condensate reservoirs, it is necessary to have some knowledge of the behaviour of the gas and liquid relative permeabilities. Very little experimental work is available on this subject and the approach taken in this paper is to consider gas-condensate relative permeability from a theoretical viewpoint. The process of retrograde condensation and revaporisation by pressure depletion has been modelled in a horizontal network of pores using microscopic rules developed from micromodel observations. These rules relate both to the pore occupancy pattern of the condensate liquid and to the effect of condensate accumulation in the tight comers of the pore elements. Concepts from percolation theory have been used along with observations of condensate formation and growth in etched physical micromodels, to determine the distribution of each phase in the pores. The relative permeabilities of gas and condensate in the presence of immobile connate water are then calculated using percolation theory. Resulting relative permeabilities are compared with those that are predicted for conventional drainage/imbibition (oil/water) processes in strongly water wet porous media. A Monte-Carlo model is also developed for comparison with the analytical model. A wide range of sensitivities of the relative permeabilities to a number of governing factors is presented.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Proceedings: SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition 1990 |
Pages | 149-158 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Volume | Gamma |
Publication status | Published - 1990 |
Event | 1990 SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition - New Orleans, LA, United States Duration: 23 Sept 1990 → 26 Sept 1990 |
Conference
Conference | 1990 SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition |
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Country/Territory | United States |
City | New Orleans, LA |
Period | 23/09/90 → 26/09/90 |